About Us
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the School of Health in Social Science is a dynamic and inclusive environment for learning, teaching and research. Our interdisciplinary approach to our subject areas equips students with the knowledge and skills to tackle the most pressing health and social challenges, from individual mental health to global pandemics.
Our Vision of Inclusivity
We seek to strengthen our common humanity by respecting our multiplicity of identities and actively acknowledge, understand, and challenge inequalities. Our commitment to inclusivity is woven into the fabric of our community, shaping our School culture.
Find out more about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in our School
Diversity Strengthens Us
We celebrate the range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that enrich our community. It is through embracing our diversity that we cultivate a dynamic and inclusive environment where innovation thrives, and collaboration flourishes.
We believe in the transformative power of education to challenge assumptions, spark dialogue, and inspire action. Through our endeavors, we seek to amplify voices, dismantle barriers, and drive positive change in society. Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond academia, shaping our practice as we engage with communities and advocate for meaningful impact.
Our history
The University of Edinburgh created our School to bring together the long-established but separate departments of Clinical and Health Psychology, Counselling, Psychotherapy, Applied Social Science, and Nursing Studies. Today, the School of Health in Social Science stands as a beacon of interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence. The Chair of Nursing Studies was established in 1972 but teaching of the discipline began a quarter of a century earlier when Edinburgh became the first British university to establish a Nursing Training Unit. The Department of Clinical Psychology originated from Psychiatry, within the Faculty of Medicine. This discipline is technically our longest-running introduced as a subject in the Faculty of Medicine in the 1800s. Clinical Psychology spilt away in 2002 during a restructuring, also during this phase the Department of Counselling and Psychotherapy was created in 2005, echoing our dedication to holistic care and psychological well-being. As the landscape of mental health and healthcare evolved, so did our resolve to nurture compassionate practitioners and scholars.
What can I study?
We offer both undergraduate and postgraduate training, including several taught and research Masters, PhDs, as well as CPD courses, professional training programmes and accredited courses that will help qualify graduates to work in a wide range of sectors.
Find out more about our range of study options:
Undergraduate | Postgraduate Taught |
Postgraduate Research | CPD |
Visit our campus
Our Campus and Facilities | Campus Maps |
University Open Days | Virtual Visit |